Smooth Criminals #1 (2018) is the stylish, high-energy debut of a unique buddy heist series from BOOM! Studios, created by Kurt Lustgarten, Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith, and Leisha Riddel. Blending sleek 1990s hacker culture with the cool, calculated charm of a 1960s cat burglar, this opening issue sets the tone for a slick, time-bending, female-led caper that’s as much about unlikely friendship as it is about epic theft.

Set in 1999, the story introduces Brenda, a socially awkward, brilliant computer hacker who stumbles across a mysterious cryogenically frozen woman in her lab. That woman turns out to be Mia Corsair, a world-class thief from the late 1960s who vanished during an infamous jewel heist. When Brenda accidentally thaws her out, the two women form a dynamic—albeit uneasy—partnership, bringing together Mia's old-school espionage techniques and Brenda’s modern hacking skills.

Smooth Criminals #1 kicks off with crisp, witty dialogue and a sharp narrative rhythm. Smith and Lustgarten’s script cleverly balances humour with tension, giving each lead a distinct voice and playing off their generational differences to great comedic and emotional effect. From the moment Mia awakens in the late 20th century, the comic mixes fish-out-of-water comedy with the build-up to a new, high-stakes heist.

Leisha Riddel’s art is clean, expressive, and perfectly suited to the tone of the series. Her character work is a particular standout—Brenda’s anxious energy and Mia’s confident swagger are instantly readable from their body language alone. The bright, punchy colouring reinforces the comic’s vibrant energy, evoking both the neon-tinted digital age of the late '90s and the stylish flair of '60s espionage.

This debut issue excels in setting the stage for a fun, fast-paced narrative about friendship, crime, and empowerment. With its focus on two highly capable female leads, it offers a refreshing twist on both the heist and buddy-cop genres, appealing to fans of everything from Ocean’s Eleven to Hackers.

Each copy is carefully sealed in an acid-free protective sleeve with a firm backing board to preserve its condition for the long term. Your comic will be dispatched promptly in a reinforced book mailer, ensuring it arrives in top shape. Enjoy fast UK delivery and professionally secure packaging, ideal for collectors and readers who appreciate pristine presentation.

Smooth Criminals #1 (2018) is a standout indie release that combines retro style with modern smarts—a clever, captivating start to a comic full of charisma and capers.